Cervenka retuns to Flames lineup against Phoenix

Cervenka was held out of the lineup in Calgary’s 3-1 win against the Minnesota Wild on Saturday in order to rest. The 27-year-old has been playing catch-up with his conditioning after a blood clot forced him to miss action leading up to the start of the season.

“I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt but we’re in the business to win games,” coach Bob Hartley said. “Here’s a young man that is coming in and didn’t play very much because of the blood clot and everything. His conditioning was not great.”

Playing in his first season of hockey in North America, Cervenka has two goals and six points in 12 games playing primarily with fellow Czech Jiri Hudler.

“It is a big adjustment so to say that we’re disappointed in Roman Cervenka is not the case,” Hartley said. “Obviously we need more from Roman Cervenka but we’ll be patient with him so tonight he’s going to be back in the lineup.”

Here’s a look at the lineups for both the Flames and Coyotes as they get set for their second game against each other in less than a week.